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Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life
How is a person changed by commitment to their passion, and how does their commitment change over time? These are questions that esteemed climber Sonnie Trotter asks as he reflects on the most thrilling adventures of his sport and his life.
Trotter has been dangling from astonishingly high places for over 25 years, more than half his life. He’s been at the forefront of the sport for most of that time, specializing in first ascents on rock faces most people cannot imagine scaling. In Uplifted, Sonnie recounts the most memorable moments of his career but also the rich relationships, including with epic climbers such as Tommy Caldwell ("Dawn Wall") and Alex Honnold ("Free Solo"), that are the spine of the sport, as well as the psyche that draws one to and evolves as one grows into and through this unique and challenging endeavor.
From learning to climb in an ancient grain silo in southern Ontario, to mastering some of the hardest, tallest rock climbs on Earth, Sonnie shares entertaining but candid tales about life on the road, living in the dirt, overcoming obstacles, and changing within his sport. He writes as if he is sharing stories around the campfire at the end of a great day, when you are bone-tired but loving the camaraderie, so much so that you don’t want to retire to your tent. He embodies a “humble masculinity” in what is perceived as a high-adrenaline, hard-charging sport, but reveals that it is very much about careful consideration, insightful reflection, and balancing challenge and risk.
Sonnie speaks openly about how his attitude towards the risks climbing demands has changed as he has aged and changed his life’s circumstances. Now married with two young children), he describes how he has reconciled these parts of his life and his identity. This is a crossroads that many – whether from commitment to a sport or through other circumstances of life – have faced and will relate.
Trotter has been dangling from astonishingly high places for over 25 years, more than half his life. He’s been at the forefront of the sport for most of that time, specializing in first ascents on rock faces most people cannot imagine scaling. In Uplifted, Sonnie recounts the most memorable moments of his career but also the rich relationships, including with epic climbers such as Tommy Caldwell ("Dawn Wall") and Alex Honnold ("Free Solo"), that are the spine of the sport, as well as the psyche that draws one to and evolves as one grows into and through this unique and challenging endeavor.
From learning to climb in an ancient grain silo in southern Ontario, to mastering some of the hardest, tallest rock climbs on Earth, Sonnie shares entertaining but candid tales about life on the road, living in the dirt, overcoming obstacles, and changing within his sport. He writes as if he is sharing stories around the campfire at the end of a great day, when you are bone-tired but loving the camaraderie, so much so that you don’t want to retire to your tent. He embodies a “humble masculinity” in what is perceived as a high-adrenaline, hard-charging sport, but reveals that it is very much about careful consideration, insightful reflection, and balancing challenge and risk.
Sonnie speaks openly about how his attitude towards the risks climbing demands has changed as he has aged and changed his life’s circumstances. Now married with two young children), he describes how he has reconciled these parts of his life and his identity. This is a crossroads that many – whether from commitment to a sport or through other circumstances of life – have faced and will relate.
- GenresClimbingNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
7 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 10, 2025
Great motivation to stick with physio and hopefully get back on the rock one day.
Normally I listen to audio books to help me fall asleep. This one kept me awake for hours, bringing me back to Squamish and reminding me of all the adventures in the mountains.
"I will never forget that virgin drive into town. With the headlights of my truck lighting up massive bands of granite around every corner of the Sea to Sky highway."
Normally I listen to audio books to help me fall asleep. This one kept me awake for hours, bringing me back to Squamish and reminding me of all the adventures in the mountains.
"I will never forget that virgin drive into town. With the headlights of my truck lighting up massive bands of granite around every corner of the Sea to Sky highway."
October 9, 2025
I wanted to like this book, and the climbing exploits are incredibly impressive as are Trotter’s collaboration with great climbers like Caldwell and Honnell. But as much as I enjoy and appreciate the accomplishments and the author’s love of the sport, his partners, and the incredible locations, it left me with the feeling that it is mostly about personal ambition and ego. His transition to family life and adventuring together notwithstanding, I was left wondering, what has he given back to his community or causes he cares about. I don’t doubt that he has, I just would have liked to have heard more.
October 27, 2025
Surprise surprise the book that broke the reading slump was a climbing one
April 27, 2025
sonnie trotter's memoir was quite charming. if you like rock climbing, are familiar with trotter, and are particularly interested in reading about some of his impressive climbing achievements you will find something to enjoy in this book. trotter had a solid upbringing and was encouraged in a healthy way to pursue his passion for climbing. the book is collected of brief essays, specific to certain experiences. i liked the friendly faces that feature within the stories, and was happy to see a mention of katie (naked edge chapter), alex and tommy throughout. trotter has always come off as a super solid guy and that shows in his stories as well. very stable. i was also particularly fond of the squamish mentions throughout, as it is truly a climber's dream and one of my favorite places to climb.
the highlight of the book came at the end on the reflections on fatherhood. once trotter's two kids are in the picture, we get more of an reflection on the balance between sport and being a present father and partner. i wish we had more of this throughout the book, or just a greater focus on this duality.
*thank you to the publisher for an e arc*
the highlight of the book came at the end on the reflections on fatherhood. once trotter's two kids are in the picture, we get more of an reflection on the balance between sport and being a present father and partner. i wish we had more of this throughout the book, or just a greater focus on this duality.
*thank you to the publisher for an e arc*
August 9, 2025
I have had the pleasure of meeting Sonnie a few times over the years and this book confirms how humble he is with respect to his achievements in the climbing world and who he is a person. It was very relatable for me since we’re both from the GTA, moved to Western Canada, and have made climbing an important part of our lives. Sonnie has a great attitude towards life, and it really shows in his moments of decision-making and adversity.
As mentioned in some other reviews, this book, unlike other comparable climbing novels of late, is not centred around a large specific achievement. The book is ordered in a way that works nicely with the storyline, and Sonnie’s writing style is palatable yet very engaging.
Great read (my personal favourite of the climbing books I’ve read). 6 star.
As mentioned in some other reviews, this book, unlike other comparable climbing novels of late, is not centred around a large specific achievement. The book is ordered in a way that works nicely with the storyline, and Sonnie’s writing style is palatable yet very engaging.
Great read (my personal favourite of the climbing books I’ve read). 6 star.
June 1, 2025
At first, I was puzzled. I was reading Sonnie Trotter’s book, Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life, from Patagonia Books, and wondering what he was doing here. Most climbing memoirs or autobiographies capture some grand incident that changed their life.
Think of Tommy Caldwell’s book, The Push; the ascent of the Dawn Wall was what people bought the book for, but it was the kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan that sent ripples through his life. A similar thing happened with Steve House’ book, Beyond the Mountain; we came for his climb on Nanga Parbat and we learned about his overseas exchange in Slovenia and indoctrination into their style of alpine climbing. What did I come to find in Uplifted?
I wanted Trotter’s story, but I couldn’t tell whether sure he knew, when I started out. Part of my irritation was that I was reading it via PDF; I could read the words, but with each page opening where the even pages were on the right and the odd numbers on the left, I was constantly sliding and zooming, and I couldn’t tell where I was in the scope and scale of the volume, by just checking how far the bookmark had advanced. Nearly three-fifths through, and it was abundantly clear that Trotter’s book was a different kind of book than Caldwell’s or House’s.
Trotter had, in essence, been writing the pieces that culminated into Uplifted for most of his climbing career. Some were his personal essays, some were published in magazines, and the book was in development prior to the pandemic. The result is Uplifted is Trotter’s collected works, shared chronologically (or at least that was his intention, according to interviews), largely with unpublished works, and we get to know Trotter even better than we did, and I started to understand what the book did well and did not.
Part of puzzling over this book was I was enjoying it, but it was different; I keep thinking of all that things that Uplifted is not. It isn’t about uncovering a new lens on Yosemite climbing. It isn’t a survival story. It wasn’t written in a cathartic fever. It isn’t a story about firsts, mostly. It isn’t about a turning point that shaped his career.
Well, on that last concept, maybe it all starts with discovering climbing on television on ESPN and then that a climbing gym opened near his home. It’s akin to an accomplished professional tennis player referencing how a city health program introduced them to the court and gave them their first racquet. The rest of incorporating their passion into life.
What do we learn about how Trotter lives? He loves life in a big way, he loves the people in his life, and he has a passion for climbing that is energizing to the reader. He has had heavy moments, but he has made a life balancing the climbing life with “real life,” or whatever that means. Trotter’s book recounts his climbing career and how it’s part of him and how he and climbing has matured together. If there is a biographical plot to this assemblage of stories, that’s it.
My sole complaint is that Trotter and his editors didn’t go all the way and carve all of these stories into a one steady narrative. It has the parts, and I enjoy a long-read. Perhaps that was everyone’s hesitation. It is Trotter’s collective works, rather than his literary opus.
The beautiful hard copy just arrived here at my house a few days ago. It helped to have the text on paper in its fine binding so I can enjoy the reading process flipping pages forward, and sometimes back to reread a sentence. The book also has beautiful photos and the paper is appropriately think; Uplifted deserves to be displayed on a coffee table, if not just your shelf. Perhaps it’s the short-read, versus the long-read nature, with the photos that make me feel it’s suitable for the table. (It’s a vertical rectangle shape is conducive to reading, but perhaps it should have been a square or horizontal rectangle for laying on a flat surface? Personally, I like the way it was done, but it tries to do more and it makes me overthink it. Does it make you consider it’s approach too?)
Could Uplifted be a classic one day? I think it has the potential to be timeless. It’s not about a milestone in climbing events, but it is a memoir or some sort, about climbing in our time and about a milestone climber. I am giving it a five out of five because I enjoyed it thoroughly and plan to reread portions if not all of it again.
Bottom line is that it’s just a good read. I know you’ll enjoy it.
This review first appeared on THE SUBURBAN MOUNTAINEER at SuburbanMountaineer.com
Think of Tommy Caldwell’s book, The Push; the ascent of the Dawn Wall was what people bought the book for, but it was the kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan that sent ripples through his life. A similar thing happened with Steve House’ book, Beyond the Mountain; we came for his climb on Nanga Parbat and we learned about his overseas exchange in Slovenia and indoctrination into their style of alpine climbing. What did I come to find in Uplifted?
I wanted Trotter’s story, but I couldn’t tell whether sure he knew, when I started out. Part of my irritation was that I was reading it via PDF; I could read the words, but with each page opening where the even pages were on the right and the odd numbers on the left, I was constantly sliding and zooming, and I couldn’t tell where I was in the scope and scale of the volume, by just checking how far the bookmark had advanced. Nearly three-fifths through, and it was abundantly clear that Trotter’s book was a different kind of book than Caldwell’s or House’s.
Trotter had, in essence, been writing the pieces that culminated into Uplifted for most of his climbing career. Some were his personal essays, some were published in magazines, and the book was in development prior to the pandemic. The result is Uplifted is Trotter’s collected works, shared chronologically (or at least that was his intention, according to interviews), largely with unpublished works, and we get to know Trotter even better than we did, and I started to understand what the book did well and did not.
Part of puzzling over this book was I was enjoying it, but it was different; I keep thinking of all that things that Uplifted is not. It isn’t about uncovering a new lens on Yosemite climbing. It isn’t a survival story. It wasn’t written in a cathartic fever. It isn’t a story about firsts, mostly. It isn’t about a turning point that shaped his career.
Well, on that last concept, maybe it all starts with discovering climbing on television on ESPN and then that a climbing gym opened near his home. It’s akin to an accomplished professional tennis player referencing how a city health program introduced them to the court and gave them their first racquet. The rest of incorporating their passion into life.
What do we learn about how Trotter lives? He loves life in a big way, he loves the people in his life, and he has a passion for climbing that is energizing to the reader. He has had heavy moments, but he has made a life balancing the climbing life with “real life,” or whatever that means. Trotter’s book recounts his climbing career and how it’s part of him and how he and climbing has matured together. If there is a biographical plot to this assemblage of stories, that’s it.
My sole complaint is that Trotter and his editors didn’t go all the way and carve all of these stories into a one steady narrative. It has the parts, and I enjoy a long-read. Perhaps that was everyone’s hesitation. It is Trotter’s collective works, rather than his literary opus.
The beautiful hard copy just arrived here at my house a few days ago. It helped to have the text on paper in its fine binding so I can enjoy the reading process flipping pages forward, and sometimes back to reread a sentence. The book also has beautiful photos and the paper is appropriately think; Uplifted deserves to be displayed on a coffee table, if not just your shelf. Perhaps it’s the short-read, versus the long-read nature, with the photos that make me feel it’s suitable for the table. (It’s a vertical rectangle shape is conducive to reading, but perhaps it should have been a square or horizontal rectangle for laying on a flat surface? Personally, I like the way it was done, but it tries to do more and it makes me overthink it. Does it make you consider it’s approach too?)
Could Uplifted be a classic one day? I think it has the potential to be timeless. It’s not about a milestone in climbing events, but it is a memoir or some sort, about climbing in our time and about a milestone climber. I am giving it a five out of five because I enjoyed it thoroughly and plan to reread portions if not all of it again.
Bottom line is that it’s just a good read. I know you’ll enjoy it.
This review first appeared on THE SUBURBAN MOUNTAINEER at SuburbanMountaineer.com
April 19, 2025
4.5
Even though I'm a rock climber myself, I can't imagine doing the climbs that Sonnie, Alex Honnold, and many others do (I'm a solid 5.10 climber right now). It always amazes me reading about the climbs and how incredibly talented these guys are. I actually had the chance to meet Sonnie just last week, but only found out last minute and wasn't able to make it. I so would have loved to discuss his book and the climbs in it.
I enjoyed reading about Sonnie's climbs, not only because he's talented and has climbed some amazing routes, but also because he is quite humble and doesn't really brag about his accomplishments, even though he very well could. He talks about his start in climbing, in a little gym in Canada, working his way through the ratings and getting outdoors to keep pushing himself. Some of the routes he's done I've never heard of, so I would stop and check them out online to get a better idea and help visualize (Cobra Crack is insane, and definitely one I will pass on). And while I may never get to the level that he's at, or even close to it, reading about it gives me more motivation and excitement. I look forward to working on my skills and continuing to read about the climbs that Sonnie and many others do. Climb on.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I'm a rock climber myself, I can't imagine doing the climbs that Sonnie, Alex Honnold, and many others do (I'm a solid 5.10 climber right now). It always amazes me reading about the climbs and how incredibly talented these guys are. I actually had the chance to meet Sonnie just last week, but only found out last minute and wasn't able to make it. I so would have loved to discuss his book and the climbs in it.
I enjoyed reading about Sonnie's climbs, not only because he's talented and has climbed some amazing routes, but also because he is quite humble and doesn't really brag about his accomplishments, even though he very well could. He talks about his start in climbing, in a little gym in Canada, working his way through the ratings and getting outdoors to keep pushing himself. Some of the routes he's done I've never heard of, so I would stop and check them out online to get a better idea and help visualize (Cobra Crack is insane, and definitely one I will pass on). And while I may never get to the level that he's at, or even close to it, reading about it gives me more motivation and excitement. I look forward to working on my skills and continuing to read about the climbs that Sonnie and many others do. Climb on.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2025
As someone who is absolutely fascinated by people who can go out and climb and do these adventurous things, this book has stolen my heart. Not only do you get a glimpse into the context and background of Sonnie but you see the climbs and accomplishments over his climbing career and the photos that accompany are unlike any other. Camping on the side of the cliff?! HOW COOl.
I was able to see a bit into his love life, his family and background, and why he climbs, what drives him. The fact that the adrenaline rush high doesn't end for the human body for a while after each climb makes so much sense. I can only imagine what climbing to the top of a scary dangerous mountain would look like to get to the top and feel invincible. For now, I will be watching others do this and egging them on. (I have a weird intense interest in Mount Everest and K2, don't judge me, so this book seriously made me really happy).
This is an EXCELLENT coffee table book. If you have a table and you need some decor, get this book. It is a great conversation starter but also has really cool photography in it, which is hard to find. I am fascinated and am so happy I was able to read this!
Thank you for the ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
I was able to see a bit into his love life, his family and background, and why he climbs, what drives him. The fact that the adrenaline rush high doesn't end for the human body for a while after each climb makes so much sense. I can only imagine what climbing to the top of a scary dangerous mountain would look like to get to the top and feel invincible. For now, I will be watching others do this and egging them on. (I have a weird intense interest in Mount Everest and K2, don't judge me, so this book seriously made me really happy).
This is an EXCELLENT coffee table book. If you have a table and you need some decor, get this book. It is a great conversation starter but also has really cool photography in it, which is hard to find. I am fascinated and am so happy I was able to read this!
Thank you for the ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
May 16, 2025
My passion for books written by climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts continues to grow :) "Uplifted" is Sonnie Trotter's captivating account of his life dedicated to climbing. The book begins with Sonnie's humble words, where he admits that writing a book wasn't something he initially envisioned, but I'm glad he embraced the challenge. Sonnie comes across as a genuinely great guy! He writes beautifully about his family, friends, and "colleagues". His vivid descriptions of climbing adventures are both gripping and thrilling, and it was refreshing to read about his family life. Often, the focus is solely on the most extreme challenges faced by climbers, but Sonnie adds depth by reflecting on how climbing and raising young children can coexist. All in all, it's a heartwarming book filled with exciting climbing stories. Much respect!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
August 26, 2025
** I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was published on May 13, 2025 in the US. **
Very interesting and informative book. Lovely glossary at the end for people not familiar with climbing terminology (that I absolutely used because there were a few I didn’t know). I really liked that during the entire book he talked about how many close calls he had; always emphasizing that yeah this IS a dangerous sport. I was really fond of reading about the evolution of Sonnie’s climbing throughout his life. It was great to see snippets from different times in different famous locales. 10/10 would recommend any and all my climbing mates - they would love the feeling the book invokes of making you dream of the perfect climbing weather and the adventure of a new rock face to summit.
Very interesting and informative book. Lovely glossary at the end for people not familiar with climbing terminology (that I absolutely used because there were a few I didn’t know). I really liked that during the entire book he talked about how many close calls he had; always emphasizing that yeah this IS a dangerous sport. I was really fond of reading about the evolution of Sonnie’s climbing throughout his life. It was great to see snippets from different times in different famous locales. 10/10 would recommend any and all my climbing mates - they would love the feeling the book invokes of making you dream of the perfect climbing weather and the adventure of a new rock face to summit.
May 23, 2025
I know very little about climbing but I mostly appreciated reading Sonnie’s descriptions of his passions. I liked reading about his childhood and also how becoming a parent changed him as a climber. The many stories about climbing different mountains/routes all sort of bled together, though, with only the one in Mexico standing out for the danger of gun violence.
I would skip this one unless you care about climbing. If you do I’m sure this is fantastic, but I just like memoirs and would have been fine skipping this one.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would skip this one unless you care about climbing. If you do I’m sure this is fantastic, but I just like memoirs and would have been fine skipping this one.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2025
The description given of this book being “Join[ing] Sonnie around the campfire for stories of climbing and the climbing life” is a perfect way to capture this books essence.
Being a new climber myself (Only climbing up to 10c) I found reading this book delightful and encouraging. It taught and inspired me to enjoy the process of climbing and not the result. Which is something I definitely should do.
A great book with its quick pacing and episodic chapters. My only problem now is making sure I don’t drop out of university to spend all my time climbing.
Being a new climber myself (Only climbing up to 10c) I found reading this book delightful and encouraging. It taught and inspired me to enjoy the process of climbing and not the result. Which is something I definitely should do.
A great book with its quick pacing and episodic chapters. My only problem now is making sure I don’t drop out of university to spend all my time climbing.
May 2, 2025
Was reading a pre-released version that didn’t format correctly when sent to Kindle or was poorly edited. It appeared to be an interesting book, but one paragraph he was iin Canada, the next in China with hot temperatures, and the next getting out of s car to the cool breeze. In the middle he mentioned he was not totally focused on the climb because his wife was back in Canada pregnant with their first child,
I gave up but may take another crack at it with a marketed edition.
I gave up but may take another crack at it with a marketed edition.
June 3, 2025
As a climber, I engage with climbing media to get me excited to get out there, to train hard, and to be thoughtful about way in which we practice the sport we all love.
For me, uplifted has done all 3. As a torontonian, reading about Newmarket, Joe rockheads, and all of our local crags felt so cool and I loved the book from start to finish.
For me, uplifted has done all 3. As a torontonian, reading about Newmarket, Joe rockheads, and all of our local crags felt so cool and I loved the book from start to finish.
June 23, 2025
I'd probaby give 3 stars for the print version; it's a collection of Trotter's essays on climbing. It was interesting but hearing him narrate his stories really breathed life into them, hence the additional star. I'm not a climber but I like adventure and there was a lot of adventure here.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a complementary audiobook.
Thank you to Libro.fm for a complementary audiobook.
September 11, 2025
Great collection of writings. I think it didn't quite feel like a full book, just being as it was a collection of articles without some major overall point or even direction, but it was very enjoyable and adventurous.
June 24, 2025
I fear I now want to consume rock climbing media exclusively… No, I have never climbed a day in my life….
August 21, 2025
something about the writing in this book made it so easy to picture the locations the author was talking about. great read and the chapter about his wife was super sweet
October 15, 2025
Good story about a talented climber and good person who is living his dream.
November 30, 2025
Listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it! I felt like I could relate to the author and enjoyed how passionate he was about climbing and how it directed his life.
December 1, 2025
Enjoyed this mainly as a story to get lost in. Its got a fair amount of cliches, but it has its inspirational moments. Mainly I loved envisioning the climbs
January 1, 2026
nice memoir of a long climbing career. Plenty of good insights and wisdom into risk, accomplishment, and living
September 25, 2025
A light and fun look into the memories of a skilled climber. The author does a good job with narration and each chapter can be read independently as an essay.
Thanks to Libro.Fm for the ALC.
Thanks to Libro.Fm for the ALC.
August 1, 2025
Definitely loved the audiobook- worth listening to if you have the chance.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews